As expected, Sun Microsystems remained the top supplier of UNIX-based
workstations. But indicative of their niche market position, Sun only sold $225
million worth of its Sunblade workstations. Sun's sales amounted to 43 per cent
of the UNIX workstation market, up from 39 per cent in 2000. It was the 14th
year Sun has been the world's top UNIX workstation vendor, according to
International Data Corp.
"Sun Microsystems has maintained its leadership position in the
Unix/RISC-based workstation market by consistently meeting the needs of its
extensive installed base while aggressively expanding into new verticals and
segments," said Kara Yokley, research manager in IDC's workstation program.
"Customers value Sun's vision, innovation, and, most of all, its
dedication to the UltraSPARC processor technology and Solaris Operating
Environment for technical markets. With its recent introduction of new personal
visualization systems, Sun is well-positioned to further extend its share in the
traditional workstation market."
Sun's 64-bit workstations include the sub-$1,000 Sun Blade 100 to the
high-end Sun Blade 2000.